htrimble95 Rustic Rebel Co.

what is working?

Welp, I finally have some products to sell again, my first market went SOOOOO well I sold out. I am soo so proud of how good things are going so far. My welcome signs went really fast; but I really do believe that I'm underselling myself. So I might reconsider my pricing but we will see after I am more established

what is not working?

I think I might have underestimated how much I would actually sell; I took into consideration my competition but I didn't realize how much social media pul I really had so I Sold out really fast and looked dumb. I need to reconsider and I think I need to make multiples of each sign Rather than just one

how do you feel the project is coming?

I think my project is coming along really well. I am pretty surprised honestly but that's typically how most people feel when stepping outside their comfort zone into something new like this but it's also this amazing sense of achievement when you realize it's going really well.

what are you learning about running a business?

I am learning that things change on the fly; plan all you want but things will change always and typically very drastically. However; thanks to my experience running a McDonalds I feel I am well equipped to make adjustments on the fly and last minute decisions.

what are you learning about yourself?

I am learning that I am capable of turning something I love into profit. I genuinely enjoy crafting so it's interesting taking something I love and making money on it. It almost feels wrong but I am also learning that people think I am very creative so it's quite nice to know that things are going well so far for me.

what is & is Not Working?

IS

◇I am finding lots of wood now that the snow is melting and really good stuff too

◇ marketing on my social media is going well; people are getting really excited for my first vendor and loving the sneak peaks

◇ My price point is good but I am slightly concerned I might ve cutting myself a little short on pricing but we shall see

◇ my planning and organization coming up to my vendor is getting alot better; I have my label business cards and have them on all my designs so far

IS NOT

◇I am worried that I might not reach all customers with just the vendors; so I feel that I should post on marketplace as well I saw another lady doing the same thing to boost sales and revenue

◇definately struggling with the cricket and the vinyl; it can definately ve frustrating when something doesn't cut properly or getting the letters out properly but I am getting there.

◇ I am finding painting with stencils is better then vinyl I get less frustrated 🤣🤣

how do you feel the project is coming?

I feel that the project is going well; I think I chose a very realistic business model to start out with. It is very basic but I think that's perfect for my first venture. I can't wait to share my passion with my community.

what are you learning about running a business?

I am learning trial and error. There will always be set backs. I am learning don't bite off more than you can chew and I am also learning that its exhausting LOL

what are you learning about yourself?

here I will share a little about how the start up of my micro-business is currently going

what is working & is not working

IS:

finding wood for my signs that is recycled rather than bought new creating a more affordable price point for my customer base and creating a solid marketing strategy for "environmental sustainability"

getting the word out in the community that I will be attending the vendor blenders and craft sales in the community in the near future utilizing social media and my current connections as a known face in the community as a business leader

ensuring that I post sneak peaks; targeting my customers and getting people excited about my products

using materials that are affordable example paint and stencils that will last but wont break the bank ( dollarama in Kenora is a life safer; i made a larger investment in supplies initially to avoid multiple trips as we don't have a dollarama here)

planning and execution

IS NOT

well you see i come by it honestly; but i am horrible about procrastination and leaving thigs to the last minute and then basically whipping it all out last minute SOME HOW; this is one trait of my ADHD that continues to get worse the older I get

soooo

finding time to make the signs for my upcoming vendor has been challenging around part time school, full time work running a business and full time single mumming

i underestimated the interest i would have from the get go so i feel that my initial predictions for what i need to produce are inaccurate and i do not want to have the reputation for selling out and then disappointed customers that come to see me

reminding myself quality over quantity; and making sure to set aside a bit of time every day to work on my products

how do you feel the project is coming?

i feel that my project is coming along nicely; i have always been complimented on the decor in my home and people are telling me theyd buy my things so now that i am venturing out i believe that i will be successful in sharing my passion with the world. I also am learning to make sure not to overinvest from the get go; i dont want to dump too much into the business until i start generating some revenue but i also want to have selection so learning to find that healthy balance is essential. I feel pretty confident about people accepting me into the small business community in my town and am excited to share something i truly enjoy doing in my free time.

what are you learning about running a business?

i am learning so much about running a business; and i find it extremely unique that i can take some things that i already know about running a large scale business and adjust to my micro-business so that i can make the most profit possible

i have learned that small business's are a Nickle and dime game and every dollar counts especially when starting out; combating this by reusing paint brushes, ensuring caps are on my paints and cans, using less paint more often when putting multiple colors out on my palette are all cost saving things i am applying now that i am transitioning from a craft for myself mindset to a craft for a business mindset

i am learning that it can be a lot of fun but its also alot of work and there really are obstacles around every corner

what are you learning about yourself?

i am learning that i need to work harder to overcome my struggles with time management; however this is something i already knew

i am learning that although i currently run a business for someone else its very fulfilling starting and running a business for myself

i am learning that its extremely fulfilling when your passionate about the things your selling in your business

The 3 main competitors within my market are "it must be a sign", "signs by Sheila" and "wolf pup co"

Strengths- one has her own website; however most items are all sold out and are fairly high priced.

All have a very heavy social media base and utilize Facebook and Facebook marketplace to make their sales

Huge customer base already and lots of great reviews

They are all at most of the vendor markets in town which is where I planned to target my sales so there will be some competition

Weaknesses

One is more directed to a very specific customer base (my children have paws) so this could be a strength however it could also be a weakness as in a small town that already has a smaller market your making it even smaller

Most items are sold out on the website; and the items are very high priced which is helpful to learn what other people are charging so I can compete with that

My strengths as an aspiring entrepreneur;

I am a people person; running a McDonalds i am always working with a diverse and unique group of individuals that is always changing. i have great people skills and am always willing to step out of my comfort zone to get to know my people

I am a face in my community; winning the business woman of the year award this year in my community i have built relationships with business in the community that is essential when trying to start a new business

when i fall down i get back up again

i think quickly and outside the box at times to overcome unique challenged associated with running a business in a remote community which is helpful when starting a new business as the first model doesn't always work

weakness's

I have never created my own business model'; always taught and followed other models

I sometimes have time blindness and my ADHD is a blessing and a curse at the same time

I am forgetful at times so if i forget to write things down i will forget